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LinkedIn isn’t just for people looking for jobs — it’s one of the most powerful tools for building credibility, visibility, and real connections in your community. This week, Doug Jenkins of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce talks with Laura Seelinger of LSX Partners about how you and your business can get more out of LinkedIn. They cover the biggest myths and mistakes people make on the platform, how create authentic posts, and simple ways to build habits that keep your presence active and engaging. 

Laura will also be taking part in the Great Lakes AI Week Conference (Nov 4–6), where she’ll share how technology and tools like LinkedIn are reshaping business communication.

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Hancock County recently completed a study on broadband access — not just who’s connected, but how reliable, affordable, and useful those connections really are. On this edition of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Hancock County Commissioner Jeff Hunker and Lisa Lawson from the Center for Regional Development join host Doug Jenkins to break down the findings, from the gaps still facing rural residents to how broadband impacts everything from telehealth and small-business growth to the ability to use AI tools. They also discuss what’s next as local, state, and federal partners work to expand access and close the “last mile” of connectivity in Hancock County. 

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The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for health plans is here, making the next few months the most critical time of year for insurance professionals and for your business. Don't wait until it's too late—now is the perfect time to review your employee health insurance offerings.

In this essential episode, host Doug Jenkins with the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce sits down with Grace George from Hitchings Insurance Agency to break down everything local businesses need to know.

What you'll learn:

• Key Dates and Deadlines: We cover when the AEP begins for Medicare (October 15th) and the Marketplace (November 1st) and why these dates matter for your company.
• The Second Largest Expense: Grace highlights why health insurance is typically a company's second-largest expense next to payroll and how to ensure your plan is competitive, both in coverage and cost.
• A Better Benefits Strategy: Learn why simply "auto-renewing" your existing plan is a costly mistake and get expert advice on finding a better plan for your employees and your bottom line.
• The Power of the Chamber Plan: We discuss the benefits of the SOCA MEWA plan available to Chamber members, including strong negotiation power, access to the wide Anthem network, and the appeal of Health Savings Account (HSA) options for employee retention.
• Local Support: Discover how working with a local agent means getting quick answers and personalized help, without navigating a complex 1-800 number call tree.

 To discuss your business's insurance options, contact Grace George at Hitchings Insurance at 419-423-9145 or [email protected]. 

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In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, we're introducing you to the newest member of the Alliance staff, Sarah Foltz. Sarah shares what makes her so passionate about community engagement and how her new role will help connect and elevate different parts of our community, from the Hancock Leadership programs to the ArtWalk festival.

We’ll also dive into the history of one of Findlay’s largest community events, Oktoberfest. Sarah, a key organizer, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the festival got its start, how it’s grown to attract thousands of visitors, and why it's so important for local businesses and the Hancock Historical Museum. Plus, find out how you and your business can get involved!

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This episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce features a conversation with Hank Walters, a recent graduate of the Hancock Youth Leadership program and a senior at Cory-Rawson High School. Hank shares the inspiring story of Findlay Fresh Start, a new nonprofit he co-founded with fellow students to help combat homelessness in the Findlay and Hancock County area.

Born out of an initial setback from a national program, Findlay Fresh Start is a testament to the power of resilience and vision. Hank and his team are tackling the issue of homelessness by focusing on a unique, proactive approach—providing crucial life skills like financial literacy and home maintenance to help people break the cycle of housing instability. The discussion also touches on the importance of mentorship, the group’s plans for future projects, and their forward-thinking strategy for passing the organization on to the next generation of student leaders.

Key Points

• A New Nonprofit is Born: Findlay Fresh Start was created by a group of local high school students who were part of the Hancock Youth Leadership program. The group decided to continue their project idea even after their initial application to a national program was rejected.
• Focus on Foundational Skills: The organization's mission is to help combat homelessness by equipping people with essential life skills. They are currently distributing personal hygiene kits that include a guide on home maintenance and financial literacy to help individuals budget and maintain their living spaces.
• Mentorship is Key: The student leaders work closely with Zach Thomas, who provides valuable guidance and helps them avoid duplicating services already offered by other local organizations.
• Sustainability Plan: The high school seniors have a plan to ensure the nonprofit continues after they graduate. They are already recruiting and mentoring younger high school students to take over leadership roles in the future.
• Get Involved: Learn more about Findlay Fresh Start and how you can get involved by visiting their website, findlayfreshstart.org. The organization is seeking donations and volunteers for upcoming projects, including assembling kits and building garden boxes.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, host Doug Jenkins sits down with Pam Hamlin from the Millstream Career Center to discuss the latest expansion at the Center and its projected impact on workforce development in the Findlay and Hancock County area. The episode dives into how local schools and businesses can collaborate to make sure local educational offerings align with community workforce needs.

Pam Hamlin takes listeners through the details of Millstream Career Center’s new enhanced engineering and robotics lab. She talks about how this development will accommodate more students and how these students are positioned for a more seamless transition into the workforce or higher education. The discussion also explores the importance of changing perceptions about careers in manufacturing and its potential to excite students and meet employer demands.

Key Takeaways:

• Millstream Career Center’s expansion includes state-of-the-art engineering and robotics labs, supported by a $3.4 million grant.
• The new facilities aim to increase student enrollment by providing more seats and offering modern, hands-on learning opportunities.
• The center’s curriculum is designed with input from local manufacturers to ensure alignment with community workforce needs.
• There is an active effort to reshape student perceptions of manufacturing roles, showcasing them as innovative and essential for economic growth.
• Pam emphasizes the importance of collaboration among local schools and industry partners to prepare students for diverse career pathways.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, host Doug Jenkins talks about the importance of community involvement for businesses with Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, the President and CEO of Garner Trucking. The discussion revolves around how businesses can impact their communities beyond simple economics through sponsorships and partnerships. Garner Trucking does this by involving employees in choosing which community initiatives to support, which extends their charitable efforts beyond the company's headquarters in Findlay to locations all over the country where their employees reside.

Sherri shares insights on strategic community involvement, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building with organizations looking for support. The conversation also highlights the symbiotic relationship between businesses and their communities, offering advice for businesses looking to start or redefine their sponsorship strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Businesses can enhance their community impact by funding projects and engaging in partnerships, which extends beyond mere economic contributions.
• Garner Trucking's philanthropic strategy includes employee engagement, enabling personnel to direct charitable efforts in their communities across the country.
• Building relationships is crucial when seeking sponsorships; a face-to-face approach is often more effective than traditional methods like emails or letters.
• Community involvement can aid in employee recruitment and retention by aligning company culture with prospective employees' values and community influences.
• Smaller businesses can contribute meaningfully through in-kind donations and by enabling employees to use work time for community service.

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Episode Summary:

This episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce focuses on the business case for supporting employees in recovery. Amber Wolfrom from the Family Resource Center, joins Doug to talk about how businesses can balance operational goals with creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for employees battling substance use disorders and mental health issues. Amber emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma around these issues to foster a culture of empathy and understanding in the workplace. As we approach National Recovery Month in September, she explores themes and strategies businesses can employ to raise awareness and assist employees in recovery.

During the discussion, Amber talks about Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and their role in providing much-needed resources and support to employees. She outlines the typical offerings of an EAP, including counseling and legal advice, and addresses concerns about their implementation and costs. 

Key Takeaways:

• National Recovery Month: Offers an opportunity for workplaces to engage in open dialogue about substance use and mental health, promoting a supportive and stigma-free environment.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs are valuable for providing counseling and other resources; they can enhance employee well-being and productivity. Smaller businesses can explore community services if they lack an established EAP.
• Stigma Reduction: Encouraging a corporate culture that acknowledges and supports mental health challenges contributes to a healthier, more productive workforce.
• Generation Gap in Wellness Perceptions: Younger employees are more open to discussing mental health, a contrast that businesses should navigate to harmonize workplace culture.
• Proactive Support: By proactively offering recovery resources, businesses can help employees manage personal challenges, benefiting the company's overall success.

Resources:

• National Recovery Month Toolkit

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Episode Summary:

Join host Doug Jenkins of the Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce as he looks into talent attraction for local businesses in this episode of Chamber Amplified. Facing a shortage of local talent, especially in STEM fields, many businesses in Ohio are exploring new ways to find skilled candidates. This episode features Alex Conley of Find Your Ohio, who discusses the efforts of JobsOhio to attract out-of-state talent to support the demand of Ohio's job market.

Alex shares the details of the Find Your Ohio program, which offers a system to help businesses fill specialized roles with qualified candidates from outside the state. As the director, Alex outlines how the program has facilitated numerous successful placements by connecting companies with a wide pool of talented professionals. The episode emphasizes the strategic advantages of Ohio's lower cost of living, making it an attractive destination for skilled professionals from high-cost areas such as the coasts.

Key Takeaways:

• Find Your Ohio is a national talent attraction program aimed at filling critical roles in STEM fields in Ohio by attracting skilled candidates from outside the state.
• The program emphasizes the appeal of Ohio's competitive cost of living and career opportunities, providing significant value propositions for potential recruits from higher-cost regions.
• Employers working with Find Your Ohio receive support through a personalized system that helps match candidates with companies, including a focus on transitioning military members and veterans.
• Companies of all sizes, from small local businesses to large organizations, can benefit from the program without incurring additional costs.
• The program works in conjunction with local resources, supporting the broader talent pipeline strategy by complementing local educational and recruitment initiatives.

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Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of Chamber Amplified from the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, host Doug Jenkins is joined by Ohio Senate President Rob McColley to discuss legislative initiatives designed to improve the business climate in Ohio. The conversation delves into economic policies promoting natural gas development, reduction of state income taxes, and workforce issues like as housing and childcare. 

McColley highlights economic strategies, including the recent state budget's move toward a unified income tax rate of 2.75%, designed to Ohio more attractive to new businesses. 

McColley also talks about the Rural Development Revolving Loan Fund, designed to stimulate home development in underserved areas. 

Key Takeaways:

• The Ohio Senate has legislated to promote natural gas development, easing the pathway for investment and enhancing energy reliability.
• Ohio is transitioning to a single income tax bracket with a rate of 2.75% to increase economic competitiveness.
• The Rural Development Revolving Loan Fund is launched to address housing shortages and fuel economic growth in rural communities.
• Efforts to mitigate childcare and housing concerns are crucial to strengthening Ohio's labor market and supporting business operations.
• Reducing regulatory burdens on child care providers can increase supply, addressing the child care access issue more effectively.

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